Position – Guard
School – Miami (Ohio).
Height – 6-4½.
Weight – 353.
Combine numbers – Didn’t attend combine but ran a 5.05 40-yard dash and did 36 reps on the bench press. Grade: 82.5.
College career – Wasn’t highly regarded coming out of high school but started 12 games as a red-shirt freshman and wound up earning All-Mid-American honors in each of his last three seasons. Started 15 games at left guard, 14 at left tackle and 12 at right guard. Registered 287 knockdown blocks.
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Position – Center/guard
School – Georgia.
Height – 6-3.
Weight – 303.
Combine numbers – 5.44 in the 40-yard dash, 29 bench-press reps at 200 pounds. 30.5-inch vertical leap. Grade: 78.2.
College career – A four-year starter who earned Freshman All-America honors. Second-team All-SEC as a sophomore and junior, then made the first team as a senior. Team captain as a senior, when he made 15 blocks that resulted in touchdowns. less

Position – Wide receiver
School – Michigan State.
Height – 6-0.
Weight – 188.
Combine numbers – 4.45 in 40-yard dash. 13 bench press reps. 39.5-inch vertical leap. Grade: 76.
College career – Scored touchdowns in a five different ways, including punt and kickoff returns. His punt-return TD contributed significantly to the Spartans’ victory over Wisconsin, the Badgers only loss. Produced 59 plays of 20-plus yards and 17 of 40-plus. Had 1,194 all-purpose yards as a senior. less

Position – Defensive end
School – Nebraska
Height – 6-4.
Weight – 279.
Combine numbers – 4.99 in the 40-yard dash. Grade: 83.7.
College career – Started his final 33 games at strong-side defensive tackle. Had 20 career sacks, including 91/2 in each of his sophomore and junior years. Also recorded 27 quarterback pressures those two seasons. less

Position – Kicker
School – Texas A&M
Height – 5-9
Weight – 205
Combine numbers – Grade: 46.
College career – The Lou Groza Award winner for 2011, he became the most accurate and prolific kicker in school history, hitting 78.8 percent of his field-goal tries (63-of-80). He set a single-season scoring with 142 points as a senior and 365 for his career. Took over as the kicker in the middle of his freshman season. less

Position – Offensive tackle
School – Purdue
Height – 6-5
Weight – 307
Combine numbers – Didn’t participate. But has run a 4.84 in the 40-yard dash.
College career – Converted from defensive tackle after his sophomore season, he anchored the O-line as a junior as Purdue had five consecutive 200-plus-yard rushing games. less

Nick Mondek (195th overall, sixth round)

Position – Offensive tackle
School – Purdue
Height – 6-5
Weight – 307
Combine numbers – Didn’t participate. But has run a 4.84 in the 40-yard dash. ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Texans hit the field this month with OTAs

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The Texans begin organized team activities on May 21 and finish June 7 before their three-day minicamp June 12-14.

Like the offseason conditioning program that began in April, OTAs aren’t mandatory, but players know they better participate. The only thing mandatory during the offseason is the minicamp.

The OTAs and minicamp are the only time the coaches can coach the players during the offseason.

Before the OTAs start, the Texans have a rookie orientation program that begins May 13.

The Texans have their 10 OTAs over a three-week period: May 21-22, May 24, May 29-31 and June 4-7. After the three-day minicamp, they break until reporting for training camp in late July.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans No. 1 draft pick Whitney Mercilus poses for a portrait in the Texans' locker room on Friday. The linebacker from Illinois was the 26th overall selection in the 2012 NFL draft.

Texans No. 1 draft pick Whitney Mercilus poses for a portrait in the Texans' locker room on Friday. The linebacker from Illinois was the 26th overall selection in the 2012 NFL draft.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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The Texans selected Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey (8) with the 68th overall pick in the third round.

The Texans selected Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey (8) with the 68th overall pick in the third round.

Photo: Kyle Robertson / MCT

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The Texans selected Miami (Ohio) offensive lineman Brandon Brooks with the 76th overall pick in the third round.

The Texans selected Miami (Ohio) offensive lineman Brandon Brooks with the 76th overall pick in the third round.

Photo: Associated Press

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With their first pick in the fourth round, the Texans drafted Georgia’s Ben Jones, the second-ranked center behind Wisconsin’s Peter Konz.

With their first pick in the fourth round, the Texans drafted Georgia’s Ben Jones, the second-ranked center behind Wisconsin’s Peter Konz.

Photo: Brant Sanderlin / MCT

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Michigan State's Keshawn Martin (5-11, 189), who scored touchdowns five different ways for the Spartans, is an excellent return man.

Michigan State's Keshawn Martin (5-11, 189), who scored touchdowns five different ways for the Spartans, is an excellent return man.

Photo: Al Goldis / Associated Press

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Jared Crick (6-4, 279) played tackle at Nebraska. In the Texans’ three-man front, he’ll play end and move inside in passing situations. If he develops the way the coaches believe he will, Crick will be part of an inside rotation with J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith. less

Jared Crick (6-4, 279) played tackle at Nebraska. In the Texans’ three-man front, he’ll play end and move inside in passing situations. If he develops the way the coaches believe he will, Crick will be ... more

Photo: TOM FOX/Staff Photographer / The Dallas Morning News

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Randy Bullock, who won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s best kicker for Texas A&M last season, was drafted in the fifth round. He inherits the job vacated by Neil Rackers, who signed with Washington.

Randy Bullock, who won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s best kicker for Texas A&M last season, was drafted in the fifth round. He inherits the job vacated by Neil Rackers, who signed with Washington.

Whitney Mercilus holds a Houston Chronicle with his image on the front page after arriving in Houston. Merciless is sitting with his brother, Donald.

Whitney Mercilus holds a Houston Chronicle with his image on the front page after arriving in Houston. Merciless is sitting with his brother, Donald.

Photo: Bill Baptist / Houston Texans

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Whitney Mercilus poses for a portrait in the Texans' locker room.

Whitney Mercilus poses for a portrait in the Texans' locker room.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Whitney Mercilus adjusts his tie after walking into the Texans' locker room for the first time.

Whitney Mercilus adjusts his tie after walking into the Texans' locker room for the first time.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans number one draft pick Whitney Mercilus smiles as he arrives to his introduction news conference at Reliant Stadium.

Texans number one draft pick Whitney Mercilus smiles as he arrives to his introduction news conference at Reliant Stadium.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Houston Texans No. 1 draft pick Whitney Mercilus poses for photos with a Texans jersey following a news conference at Reliant Stadium Friday, April 27, 2012, in Houston. The linebacker from Illinois was the 26th overall selection in the 2012 National Football League Draft. less

Houston Texans No. 1 draft pick Whitney Mercilus poses for photos with a Texans jersey following a news conference at Reliant Stadium Friday, April 27, 2012, in Houston. The linebacker from Illinois was the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Whitney Mercilus stands with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to pose for photos following a news conference at Reliant Stadium Friday, April 27, 2012, in Houston. The linebacker from Illinois was the 26th overall selection in the 2012 National Football League Draft. less

Whitney Mercilus stands with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to pose for photos following a news conference at Reliant Stadium Friday, April 27, 2012, in Houston. The linebacker from Illinois was the 26th ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) and linebacker Jonathan Brown (45) sack Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Champaign, Ill. less

Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) and linebacker Jonathan Brown (45) sack Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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The Texans selected Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey, left, with the 68th overall pick in the third round.

The Texans selected Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey, left, with the 68th overall pick in the third round.

Photo: Jae C. Hong / AP

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Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier (5) scrambles past Illinois defensive tackle Whitney Mercilus (85) in the second overtime period of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, in Ann Arbor. Michigan won 67-65 in triple overtime. less

Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier (5) scrambles past Illinois defensive tackle Whitney Mercilus (85) in the second overtime period of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, in Ann Arbor. ... more

In this photo taken Sept. 10, 2011, Illinois defensive back Michael Buchanan (99) sacks South Dakota State quarterback Thomas O'Brien (4) during an NCAA college football game against in Champaign, Ill. With 26 sacks through seven games, Illinois has already sacked opposing quarterbacks three more times than it did in all of 2010. Buchanan has five and teammate Whitney Mercilus has 10 sacks, the best in the country. less

In this photo taken Sept. 10, 2011, Illinois defensive back Michael Buchanan (99) sacks South Dakota State quarterback Thomas O'Brien (4) during an NCAA college football game against in Champaign, Ill. With 26 ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Whitney Mercilus, one of the anticipated top picks in the NFL draft, arrives at the 9th annual ESPN The Magazine Pre-Draft Party at The Waterfront in New York, Wednesday, April 25, 2012, held on the eve of the draft. less

Whitney Mercilus, one of the anticipated top picks in the NFL draft, arrives at the 9th annual ESPN The Magazine Pre-Draft Party at The Waterfront in New York, Wednesday, April 25, 2012, held on the eve of the ... more

Photo: AP Images for ESPN The Magazine

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In this Oct. 15, 2011 file photo, Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) runs over Illinois linebacker Ashante Williams (25) and through Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first half of the NCAA college football game in Champaign, Ill. Twice suspended by the NCAA this year for accepting improper benefits, Dan "Boom" Herron is now adored by Ohio State fans because the team is winning and he's picking up big yardage. less

In this Oct. 15, 2011 file photo, Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) runs over Illinois linebacker Ashante Williams (25) and through Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first half ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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In this photo taken Oct. 15, 2011, Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus (85) and linebacker Jonathan Brown (45) combine to sack Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) during an NCAA college football game in Champaign, Ill. With 26 sacks through seven games, Illinois has already sacked opposing quarterbacks three more times than it did in all of 2010. Mercilus has 10 sacks, the best in the country. less

In this photo taken Oct. 15, 2011, Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus (85) and linebacker Jonathan Brown (45) combine to sack Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) during an NCAA college football game ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) runs over Illinois linebacker Ashante Williams (25) and through Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first half of the NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 in Champaign, Ill. less

Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) runs over Illinois linebacker Ashante Williams (25) and through Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first half of the NCAA college football game ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Illinois' defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) and linebacker Jonathan Brown (45) sack Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) during the first half of the NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 in Champaign, Ill. less

Illinois' defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) and linebacker Jonathan Brown (45) sack Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) during the first half of the NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) runs over Illinois linebacker Ashante Williams (25) and past defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Champaign, Ill. less

Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) runs over Illinois linebacker Ashante Williams (25) and past defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. ... more

Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) runs through Illinois linebacker Ashante Williams (25) and Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first half of the NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 in Champaign, Ill. Ohio State defeated Illinois 17-7. less

Ohio State running back Dan Herron (1) runs through Illinois linebacker Ashante Williams (25) and Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first half of the NCAA college football game ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Penn State running back Silas Redd (25) rushes for 14-yards past Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011. less

Penn State running back Silas Redd (25) rushes for 14-yards past Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Football players, from left, Whitney Mercilus, Devon Still, Morris Claiborne, Luke Kuechly, and Mark Barron pose with the Bronko Nagurski trophy, awarded to the best defensive player in college football and presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club, during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 12, 2011. Kuechly won the award. less

Football players, from left, Whitney Mercilus, Devon Still, Morris Claiborne, Luke Kuechly, and Mark Barron pose with the Bronko Nagurski trophy, awarded to the best defensive player in college football and ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus lines up during a practice for Saturday's Fight Hunger Bowl college football game against UCLA at Laney College in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011.

Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus lines up during a practice for Saturday's Fight Hunger Bowl college football game against UCLA at Laney College in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011.

Photo: Associated Press

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Illinois defensive lineman Whitney Mercilus (85) is guarded by teammate Nate Swanson (64) during practice in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in preparation for their Fight Hunger Bowl NCAA college football game scheduled for Dec. 31 against UCLA. less